We all start somewhere.
As long as the leaves of the bamboo plant are out of the water, it should do fine. I think they look quite nice, though I don't own one.
If you ever do decide to go the plants route, its much easier than it seems. I remember feeling overwhelmed and nervous about it, but it ended up being pretty simple. Having experienced members to ask for help really made a difference for me.
Some great beginner plants are java fern, anubias, water wisteria, Java moss, and the cryptocoryne wendtii varieties. They do well in practically any tank. I have all of them and enjoy them quite a bit.